Dental implants are the best way to replace lost teeth because they look, work, and feel exactly like the real thing, but patients will have to be healthy enough to undergo minor surgery in order to receive them. Thankfully, patients who use blood thinners can still qualify for dental implants, but they may need to take special measures to ensure a smooth healing process. Here’s what recovering after receiving dental implants looks like for people on blood thinners.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants are placed through a specialized surgical process designed to secure sturdy titanium rods into the jawbone so they can support lifelike dental restorations like dentures, crowns, and bridges. Since titanium possesses the amazing ability to fuse with living bone tissue through the natural process of osseointegration, dental implants will form a sturdy bond that gives the artificial teeth they support superior chewing power and longevity as the jawbone heals around them. This healing process usually takes several months, and your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Can Blood Thinners Complicate Dental Implant Surgery?
Blood thinners are often used to treat or prevent cardiovascular issues like hypertension and blood clots, but they can dilute the number of platelets in the blood stream. Platelets are specialized blood cells designed to form clots around wounded tissue, which protects it from injury and infection and helps provide structure and stability as it heals. If a patient uses blood thinners, it may take longer for their implants to heal and complete the process of osseointegration after surgery.
How Can I Keep My Healing Process After Receiving Dental Implants on Track?
Taking blood thinners can make the process of receiving dental implants more complicated, but your dentist will certainly provide you with a thorough set of instructions that will help you enjoy a smooth and complication-free healing process. These will probably include:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day.
- Taking special care to be gentle when cleaning around the implant sites.
- Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can disturb healing implants.
- Refraining from overindulging in sweet or acidic items like candy and soda pop.
- Abstaining from tobacco and alcohol use (Alcohol is already risky if you take blood thinners anyway)
- Attending checkups and follow-up appointments at your dentist’s office as scheduled.
Blood thinners do not necessarily disqualify you from receiving dental implants. Your dentist will be glad to help you find the best way to replace your lost teeth during a brief consultation at their office.
About the Practice
Soleil Dental offers the finest oral health services in Dallas. Led by Drs. Diana Vazquez and Jose Aldana, the staff treats each patient with exemplary courtesy, compassion, and customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To learn more about the dental implant placement process, contact the office online or dial (214) 304-2112.